Student Experience: Fred V. Fernandez

“Since graduating from SUNY Broome with a degree in accounting, I have had the opportunity to become exposed to the accounting profession. I have worked my way up the ladder as I have gained experience, and I have held various positions such as assistant accounting manager, full charge bookkeeper and staff accountant.

“In the past five years, the role of the corporate accountant has changed, and corporations now demand higher-level management skills. I discovered that I could obtain these skills by enrolling in the Management program. 

“Taking what I learned and applying my education to daily on-the-job scenarios enabled me to stand out, and I was promoted to higher-level accounting positions such as controller, senior accountant and finance manager. The skills I learned through the Management program (and from my mentor, professor Marisa Walsdorf) enabled me to communicate with my staff, the executive team, upper management, stockholders and colleagues. The Management program taught me to look at the company infrastructure as a whole, understand the corporate culture and values, and analyze my strengths and weaknesses to assess how I could become a bigger asset and better manager for my company. My biggest success in this program was learning how to report information analytically, which was very important in my position. 

“This program is so valuable to managers — both those who are entering the job market and those who are already managers. The education and skills learned will stay with you for years to come. After three years, I am still referencing what I learned in the Management program. Any chance I get, I have and will recommend the program to staff, colleagues and peers.“

Fred earned several degrees and awards from Dallas College, including Associate in Applied Sciences degrees in Management and Business Administration, a Management Certificate and a Business Trainee III Skills Achievement Award. Since enrolling in the Management program, Fred has been promoted and has earned a generous salary increase. In his current position, he wears several hats, working closely with executive management and providing software, technical and accounting support.

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